US Tech Boom Fuels Surge in Jobs, Jazzier Perks

The tech sector is fueling a job boom that stands in stark contrast to the malaise of the general job market.

Competition for cloud computing engineers, security experts, and mobile developers as well as sales professionals in the technology industry has gotten so fierce in the past six months that companies are going to greater lengths to woo prospective employees.

They’re throwing lavish parties, handing out free food at conferences, doling out $50,000 signing bonuses, and offering perks such as free haircuts and medical care at the office.

The unemployment rate for tech professionals dropped to 3.3 percent in January.